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Alternatives · Project Management

Backlog alternatives

Backlog compared with 6 alternatives: Jira, GitHub Issues, Redmine, YouTrack, Shortcut and 1 more.

Backlog has a free plan. Paid plans start at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually. All 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
BacklogThis toolFree plan · from $30/moYesWeb, iOS, Android
JiraFree plan · from $9.05/moYesWeb, iOS, Android
GitHub IssuesFree plan · from $4/moYesWeb, iOS, Android
RedmineFreeFreeWeb
YouTrackFree plan · from $4.50/moYesWeb, iOS, Android
ShortcutFree plan · from $8.50/moYesWeb
PlanioFree plan · from $25/moYesWeb, iOS, Android

How each one differs from Backlog

  1. Jira

    Issue and project tracking for software and business teams

    • Jira starts at $9.05 per user / month, billed monthly (Standard, 1 to 100 users). Backlog starts at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually.
    • Backlog is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Jira also covers workflow automation.
    • Backlog also covers documents.

    Suits: Software teams tracking bugs and development work

    Jira vs BacklogJira pricing and details

  2. GitHub Issues

    Issue tracking and project planning built into GitHub

    • GitHub Issues starts at $4 per user / month (GitHub Team). Backlog starts at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually.
    • Backlog is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • GitHub Issues also covers Markdown and workflow automation.
    • Backlog also covers tasks and documents.

    Suits: Software teams that already host their code on GitHub

    GitHub Issues vs BacklogGitHub Issues pricing and details

  3. Redmine

    Free, self-hosted issue tracker and project management web app

    • Redmine is free. Backlog starts at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually.
    • Only Backlog lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Redmine is open source, according to its own site.
    • Redmine also covers wiki and time tracking.
    • Backlog also covers tasks, kanban boards and documents.

    Suits: Teams able to install and maintain their own server software

    Redmine vs BacklogRedmine pricing and details

  4. YouTrack

    Issue tracker and project management tool from JetBrains

    • YouTrack starts at $4.50 per user / month, billed annually (Cloud, 11 or more users). Backlog starts at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually.
    • YouTrack also covers wiki, workflow automation and time tracking.
    • Backlog also covers tasks and documents.

    Suits: Software teams that want issue tracking linked to their IDE and build server

    YouTrack vs BacklogYouTrack pricing and details

  5. Shortcut

    Issue tracking, sprints and roadmaps for software teams

    • Shortcut starts at $8.50 per user / month, billed yearly. Backlog starts at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually.
    • Only Backlog lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Backlog is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Shortcut also covers goals, AI agents and reports.
    • Backlog also covers tasks and documents.

    Suits: Software teams that plan in stories, epics and sprints

    Shortcut vs BacklogShortcut pricing and details

  6. Planio

    Hosted Redmine with issue tracking, repositories, wiki and help desk

    • Planio starts at $25 per month for 5 active users and 3 active projects, billed monthly. Backlog starts at $30 / month flat for up to 30 users, billed annually.
    • Backlog is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • Planio also covers wiki, time tracking and team chat.
    • Backlog also covers tasks and documents.

    Suits: Software teams that want issues, repositories and a wiki in one hosted service

    Planio vs BacklogPlanio pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Backlog

  • The Free plan is limited to 10 users, 1 project and 100 MB of storage, and has no subtasks or documents.
  • Gantt and burndown charts need Standard; custom fields, cross-project Gantt charts and the AI Assistant need Premium.
  • A paid plan cannot be downgraded to Free, and a switch between paid plans takes effect only when the current billing period ends.
  • Self-hosting is offered only on Enterprise, and SAML single sign-on, SCIM and audit logs come through the Nulab Pass security add-on.
Backlog pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Backlog?

The alternatives to Backlog in this directory are Jira, GitHub Issues, Redmine, YouTrack, Shortcut and Planio. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Backlog.

Is there a free alternative to Backlog?

Yes. Redmine is free to use. Jira, GitHub Issues, YouTrack, Shortcut and Planio have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Is there an open-source alternative to Backlog?

Redmine is described as open source on its own site.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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